What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis) that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals. Dogs are the primary host, but cats can be infected too.
How Heartworms Spread
Heartworms are transmitted exclusively through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic heartworm larvae. Those larvae develop inside the mosquito and are deposited into the next animal it bites.
Why Nashville Dogs Are at High Risk
Tennessee's warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes — and heartworm. We see cases year-round in Middle Tennessee, not just in summer. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention for all dogs in our region.
Prevention Is Simple and Affordable
Monthly heartworm preventives — available as chewable tablets, topical treatments, or injectable options — are highly effective when given consistently. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of treatment.
What Happens If Heartworm Goes Untreated
Adult heartworms can grow up to 12 inches long and live for 5–7 years. As the worm burden grows, they cause progressive damage to the heart and lungs. Treatment is available but is expensive, lengthy, and hard on your dog. Prevention is always the right choice.